On Wednesday night, I battled the cold and CRAZY Uber prices to attend the fourth annual Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) Awards held at Helen Mills event space in Midtown.
WEEN is an organization committed to supporting, promoting and defending the balanced, positive portrayal of women in entertainment and society founded by Valeisha Butterfield Jones. Annually, the organization hosts the WEEN Academy — a 4-week* crash course that trains young women between the ages of 18-22 to be next-generation leaders in the entertainment business. Unfortunately for me, I learned about the academy a few months after my last eligible year, however I made sure to stay connected with the WEEN community by signing up for the WEEN Online listserv (which is open to women of all ages).
Though I couldn’t find a wingwoman for the night, I am beyond grateful that I worked up the nerve to attend on my own. As a former BET intern and media and entertainment enthusiast, I have been to plenty of networking events, but this was my first taste of an industry event — there was no velvet rope, it was truly an opportunity to mix and mingle with women who continue to pave the way in the industry, from musicians to top executives. Seven women were awarded for their commitment to empowerment and achievement in business and entertainment including MC Lyte, Angela Yee and Sevyn Streeter. In addition to the honorees in attendance, Yandy Smith, Bridget Kelly, Lil Mama and Mona Scott-Young, among several other stars, served as presenters.
WEEN founders and honorees. Photo courtesy of WEEN Online/Nyki Elle.
I encourage any young women passionate about the industry to audition for next summer’s class and become a WEEN member today to learn about future events and opportunities.
Cîroc girl! Photo courtesy of WEEN Online/Nyki Elle.
Watch a video recap of the event below:
*I believe the 2015 WEEN Academy will be 6 weeks, still free of charge for participants.
Usher was my first love. Before the Famous Jett Jackson, before Sammie, before J Boog — there was Usher Raymond IV. You name a record off My Way, 8701, or Confessions and my mind instantly goes to a cherished memory from my childhood. Growing up, Confessions defined for me what success was in the industry — diamond album, sold-out tour, movies, timeless music. Until he went and messed around with Tameka, Usher was the standard.
Some argued after Confessions he had nowhere else to go but down — I had always believed he would be considered one of, if not the best entertainer of our time. Nonetheless, it’s been years since I’ve attached Usher’s career with unmatched excellence. In his stead, Beyonce and Justin Timberlake have risen in the ranks, dominating the industry and record sales.
He has the star power, voice, technical skill, and over 20 years in the business — what is the missing element? It’s a question I have asked myself a thousands times. After attending the UR Experience tour at Mohegan Sun arena in Uncasville, CT, I think I can finally articulate my answer.
“Spotlight. Big stage. Thank U Uncasville #URXTOUR” via @howuseeit
I’ll fast-forward through DJ Cassidy (mostly because I missed his set — CP Time), and August Alsina (who sounded much less like a goat than anticipated).
I’ll tell you this, the problem with the concert is not Usher and it’s not the music. For two hours straight Usher performed all of his greatest hits with near perfect precision. He was accompanied by world-class dancers who performed a very high-energy set without hint of fatigue, three background singers, and a full-piece band. His charisma shined as he weaved in personal anecdotes throughout the night, keeping the crowd entertained.
via @howuseeit
The answer then — lack of innovation. The production value was nowhere near where it should be for a star of his caliber. Let’s start with the staging — a small, triangular stage flanked by two short ramps. There was no second stage. There would be no “flying” around the arena. Fans that weren’t in the front, lower level of the arena had little to no interaction with the star beyond a few shoutouts. There was scattered smoke and pyro throughout the performance, but nothing out of the ordinary for your average concert. There would be no stunning visual elements, no spectacular costume designs, and no storyline or cohesion to the songs performed. I counted one video (the intro), some filtered camera shots, 2 jacket changes, 1 shirt change and 1 hat.
I forgot, I think he changed his sneakers too.
Now I believe had the tour gone as planned, as a promotional tool for the now indefinitely delayed UR, the show would’ve been more along the lines of what I had envisioned. I understand they most likely had to cut back on the scale of the production as a result, but at 36, Usher doesn’t have time to waste on mediocre presentations. He needs something BIG to shake up the industry and remind us who has the #1 spot, and I.M.O. it’s now or never. From the album rollout, to the award show performances, to his tour production — everything needs an infusion of innovation.
Steps down off soapbox.
I know I just went in, butttt purely as a fan, I would still encourage you to attend the tour if it stops in your city. I had a great time, I sang, I danced, and when he flashed those pearly whites….swoon.
NOV 15 Boardwalk Hall | Atlantic City, NJ NOV 17 United Center | Chicago, IL NOV 18 Xcel Energy Center | St. Paul, MN NOV 21 Staples Center | Los Angeles, CA NOV 22 MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, NV NOV 24 SAP Center at San Jose | San Jose, CA NOV 26 KeyArena | Seattle, WA NOV 27 Rogers Arena | Vancouver, Canada NOV 30 Rexall Place | Edmonton, Canada DEC 02 1st Bank Center | Broomfield, CO DEC 04 American Airlines Center | Dallas, TX DEC 05 Toyota Center | Houston, TX DEC 06 Smoothie King Center | New Orleans, LA DEC 08 FedExForum | Memphis, TN DEC 09 Philips Arena | Atlanta, GA DEC 12 Amway Center | Orlando, FL DEC 13 AmericanAirlines Arena | Miami, FL DEC 14 Amalie Arena | Tampa, FL
Nick Jonas provides the perfect example of the ‘industry duet.’
His people call Tinashe’s people.
She record vocals over his new single “Jealous,” never actually going in the studio with him.
They meet five minutes before they go to Hot 97 to promote the song.
He barely knows who she is and has zero clue how to pronounce her name, and thus, calls her Tina”shee.”
Is there any other possible explanation for why he doesn’t know how to say her name? Peep it at 1:10. He then avoids saying her name for the rest of the interview.
I have neglected ayminor.com in the last few months, but for good reason –
In September, I published a collection of short stories, Climbing Vines submitted by 16 black UPENN alumnae and undergraduate women. #IDoIt
In October, it was time to switch gears to my Dad’s 60th birthday – a surprise. Needless to say I almost lost my mind for the second month in a row.
Handmade centerpieces I created for the party.
Which brings me to (NO)vember.
Although the past few months have been about things that I love, and people that I love, it’s time to focus on me. Other than my required obligations, mainly being my job, if I’m not interested in attending or participating, the answer is no. And what does that mean? I can finally get back to my blog! And music! And naps! #NOvember
Here’s an exercise I might try from Oprah.com to make sure “no” rolls off the tongue:
1. For one week, keep track of how many times you say yes to something that is not on your Absolute Yes List.
2. At the end of the week, tally up the number…surprised? Awareness is the first step to realigning your decisions and priorities.
3. Make a list of five things you’d like to say no to. Start by thinking about these questions.
If you could say no to someone or something, knowing that there would be absolutely no hard feelings or negative consequences, who or what would you say no to? Is there a project you would give up? A relationship you would end? A date you might break?
At first, saying no might create some internal guilt. But the tough choices you make today will help you reach a happier place tomorrow.
Let me start off by saying I have never waited in line for a new release of anything — Jordans, Black Friday, phones, video games… nah.
After waiting almost 6 months after my upgrade became available for the new iPhone, I was determined to have all my ducks in a row to buy it as soon as it became available. Of course, when they made the announcement and began taking pre-orders I wasn’t ready, and once I was finally ready they said the phone wouldn’t be available until the end of October. #fail
After calling 5 Verizon stores (you have to be thorough with entail), I decided to give it a shot. I would wait on my first line. There were rules:
I would not wait more than an hour.
I would not battle the elements (i.e. rain, sleet, hail, snow, or freezing temperatures).
I would not be trampled.
So on Friday, I got up a little earlier than usual and headed to my local Verizon store. I got there a few minutes after 7; there were only around 25 people in line. I came prepared, I had my lawn chair, sweater, phone, iPad, and 2 magazines.
The scene when I arrived.
For expecting the worse, it couldn’t have been a more uneventful/ideal experience. After answering a few emails on my phone and chatting with the other folks in line (very nice people), the staff came out at 7:30 to hand out pre-enrollment forms and answers any questions we had. At 2 minutes to 8, they started letting people in 10 at a time. By 8:40 I was in the store buying my phone. By 9:35 I was at work (I work 40 minutes away).
My takeaways that I share with you:
Don’t always go the pre-order route;
Do your research;
Set your boundaries; and most importantly
Don’t always believe the hype — the first people in line had waited since 7 p.m. the night before (they got their iPhone no more than 30 minutes before me).
Even though I now have the privilege of listening to my books on tape during my morning commute (new car!), I caught the tail end of Nick Jonas’s interview with Elvis Duran last week, followed by his acoustic performance of “Jealous.” I have to say, after growing up on the Jonas Brothers I was a bit surprised by the R&B influences in the performance, but I also thought he sounded incredible, particularly at around 8 o’clock in the morning.
Here’s the full audio:
The acoustic version of the song plays up his wholesome tone, and is a bit of a contrast to the studio version which has more of an electro-pop feel. Check that out below.
I know the cynics will scoff at Nick Jonas latest release from his upcoming album, but am I allowed to say it’s fun?
